Running is my Monastery!

This morning's run provided Tom and me with a time of spiritual and psychological renewal.

We'd been blessed to have a respite in Bermuda from our responsibilities as caregivers. We notified key supports in our community (and we are truly blessed with our village) that we were going away and a dear friend of ours took care of Jamie our cat and checked in on Ruth Anne.

On our way home from the airport we received a text that she was in the ER.

She was inpatient for the past two weeks and discharge is scheduled for tomorrow. Even though we limit phone contact to ensure that Ruth Anne talks with staff and lets them know what is going on with her, we experienced a few, very challenging and difficult conversations.

We set the alarm for 5:45 to ensure that Tom had plenty of time to get ready for work for a 9am meeting, stretched and did a brief core work out and set out on our run. Tom said that after many training runs at race pace for the Falmouth Road Race in August for The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation when we'd run in opposite directions or he'd go out on a solo run, that he would like to stay with me at my pace this morning.

Ordinarily we would use that time to anticipate and talk about Ruth Anne's discharge but this morning, we focused on the scenery around us.

We felt the serenity of a late Spring/early summer's day run when the sun is already up and we can walk out the door with only one layer. To support the Boston Bruins, Tom wore his shirt from last year's Bourque Family Foundation 7.7K.

At this time of year until the cooler weather sets in, I give a special intention of gratitude for the beautiful weather where I can walk out the door feeling footloose and fancy free with a singlet and shorts!

We immersed ourselves in the lush green foliage, the brilliant sunshine and the cute baby geese who I remarked are growing up so fast!

We listened to the lapping of the waves along the water's edge, listened to bird songs, and spotted a new rock sculpture out in the middle of the Reservoir.

We ran at a comfortable pace and yet the run absolutely flew by!

We both felt renewed and recharged ready to take on a new day and a new week fueled by these spectacular scenes:



What a gift and a blessing to wake up early on a Monday morning and experience a feast for the senses!

Running is my monastery, my medicine for mind, body and soul and precious unplugged time with my life and running partner.

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and at Paper Fiesta in Natick on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon route. Proceeds of book sales for May through July are going to Tom McManus's Falmouth Road Race run for the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. You can also make a direct donation by following this link.